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Large Tibetan Red Painted Storage Trunk with Kirtimukha, circa 1900, Tibet
About the Item
A powerful and impressive large and tall Tibetan orange red lacquer painted storage trunk featuring a Kirtimukha, Face of Glory, late 19th or early 20th century, Tibet.
The large storage chest or trunk crafted of hand hewn wood and hand forged iron fittings. The front of the trunk body painted with a large Kirtimukha, or Face of Glory, against an orange red lacquer ground densely painted with a floral and foliate motif featuring lotus blossoms and fruit. A pair of sinuous, writhing makara snake down on either side of the Kirtimukha, their heads, with long snouts and elephant trunks, looking upwards, and offering up a flaming jewel, norbu. The whole surrounded by a painted black lacquer frame with colorful stylized clouds.
The trunk features a simple lid attached with a pair of hand forged iron ring hinges in the back, and secured with a simple latch to the front. Trunks such as this were used to store precious textiles, often silk brocades donated by imperial courts in China.
The painting with wonderful raised texture drawn in rice paste. The mineral pigments that cover the trunk are still vibrant. The exposed wood, especially the top of the chest, with a lovely and warm patina.
The sides, back, and interior undecorated.
Kirtimukha, known as the Face of Glory, is an important protective figure, often appearing over doorways in Buddhist architecture. Its horned face is monstrous, with bulging eyes, open mouth, and sharp fangs. Kirtimukha is said to been created as a ravenous demonic lion by the Hindu god Shiva to challenge the deity Rahu, who is said to eat the moon during lunar eclipses. After Rahu is sufficiently scared and apologetic to Shiva, Shiva commands his demonic lion to devour himself, which he does. However, the lion cannot devour his own face. Impressed by the creature's loyalty, Shiva gives him the title Face of Glory, Kirtimukha.
Makara are chimeric beings, usually associated with water. These makara have long, sinuous, snake-like bodies, four clawed feet, and a dragon-like face with an elephant trunk. They are also protective beings, often being found flanking temple stairways, doorways, and arches.
- Dimensions:Height: 41.5 in (105.41 cm)Width: 58.5 in (148.59 cm)Depth: 19.25 in (48.9 cm)
- Style:Tibetan (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1900
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. In good antique condition, with some loss to the paint around the edges. An old gouge front right. The lacquer with some rippling. Loss to the wood at the back left. The iron fittings with some rust.
- Seller Location:Austin, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU894732506752
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Austin, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
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